After being stranded in the Antarctic ice since Christmas Eve, the passengers aboard the "Akademik Shokalskiy" were airlifted from the Russian ship on Thursday afternoon by a Chinese helicopter based aboard the Chinese icebreaker, "Xue Long."

All 52 scientists and tourists were flown to the Australian icebreaker, “Aurora Australis.” The icebreaker will now undergo a four-day voyage to the Australian Antarctic base “Casey Station,” which lies just outside the Antarctic Circle. The icebreaker is conducting a re-supply of that station, before making its way to the Australian port of Hobart, which is weeks away.

The 22-man Russian crew of the vessel will remain aboard the ice-bound vessel and wait for the ice to break up around the vessel then navigate from the area of heavy ice. According to reports, the vessel has adequate supplies for the remaining men aboard.

Poor weather, rife with fog, wind and heavy blizzards, hampered rescue efforts since the ship became locked in the heavy antarctic ice on December 24th.

The “Akademik Shokalskiy” began this current leg of its trip on December 8th and was to conclude the vioyage on Saturday, when it was originally due in New Zealand.